Stingyness killed the cat.

It would be fair to say that I like having nice things. I'm not a 'simple life' kinda guy (pardon the Paris Hilton comparison). I'm never going to be someone that will live in a shack, eat food grown off my land, walk everywhere I go and solar power my way into eternity. I like what I like and I will spend to get it. That's me.

Being in the profession I'm in (if you want to call it a profession), I've always been kinda ashamed about that. I'm well aware that my income comes from the hard earned dollars of people - some of which don't have very much. They are giving their money to God - and not to support the extravagant lifestyle of the pastor. So I've always kinda hid my excesses and my taste for the nicer things.

But just as much as I like to have bigger, better things, I also love to share what I have. I'd have no problem lending my car away or buying stuff so I can enjoy it with friends. Why do I want a bigger house or a bigger TV? It's so I can invite more people over to enjoy it with me. I don't want bigger better stuff for me. I like having it to share and give away. I don't horde things. If I have it, you are welcome to use it.

I also discovered that I hate stingyness. Even the perception of it. I can't stand it when people hold on to things that tightly. I can understand someone not wanting to lend me stuff because for the most part, I'm someone that can afford what I need. But when people have a lot and don't share it with those that don't have much or worse yet, complain about having to pay luxury tax on their yacht and stuff like that. GET OVER YOURSELF!

Of all the people in the world, of all the institutions in the world, the least stingy place should be the church and Christians. Generosity is God's character! Yet churches and Christians are among the most stingy people around sometimes! They have rooms in churches that they don't want people to use because they'll get dirty. They buy electronic equipment and stuff that can't get used on any day but Sunday and only by this one person. GET OVER YOURSELF! We want a big deal every time we give something to God - all the pomp and circumstance. You know what God did with loot given following the taking of a city by Israel? He wanted it burned! It reminded the people that IT DOESN'T BELONG TO THEM! If God wants to burn it, then burn it. What if we did THAT on Sunday morning? Our offering is God's. This church is God's. What about the poor or missions or whatever else you think the money would have been able to help with? God is rich. He'll look after it. Obedience and sacrifice first. Quit trying to justify your stingyness with holy clothing. You just want to buy another carpet.

(*Chris is making sure this is in the RIGHT blog this time.)